1. Provide Full and Accurate Identification:
* Title: Use the full title, properly capitalized and italicized (or underlined if handwritten).
* Author: Clearly indicate the author's full name, especially if it's not a well-known work.
* Type of Work: Specify whether it's a novel, poem, play, short story, essay, etc.
2. Introduce the Work Briefly:
* Context: Give a brief background or introduce the work's significance.
* Theme: Briefly state the major themes or ideas explored in the work.
* Genre: Mention the genre if relevant to your discussion.
3. Use Proper Citation Style:
* MLA, Chicago, etc.: Choose a citation style and consistently follow it throughout your writing.
* In-text Citation: Provide a brief citation within the sentence if you are quoting or paraphrasing.
4. Avoid Overly Familiar Language:
* Assume Readers May Not Know: Treat the work as if it's new to the reader.
* Don't Use Slang: Use formal and precise language when discussing literature.
Example:
> "In William Shakespeare's tragic play *Hamlet*, the titular character grapples with themes of revenge, madness, and mortality."
This introduction provides the full title, author, and a brief background, setting the stage for further discussion.